PLEASE only use the following if you get REALLY stuck on one of the 'action'
sequences. Beforehand try (very many times) by yourself... it's more satisfying!

Note: The following is the way I beat these action puzzles (eventually). You
might very well have different and better methods than these.

On the whole, BS3 is an excellent Quest/Adventure game. But it is spoiled for
some players who find it very difficult, in a few cases even impossible, to
overcome certain of its rapid action episodes. This is an attempt to rectify, or
at least minimize that situation.

The main reasons for the trouble seem to be a combination of keyboard strokes
and rapid manipulations, plus the complete absence of mouse usage that many
players are accustomed to. The keystrokes in BS3 are rather 'unconventional',
and for some folks awkward. In addition the player must act with great rapidity
and without any false moves or hesitations. The slightest slip-up on the part of
the player generally results in a replay of the whole sequence (and often
a preliminary cutscene as well), sometimes as many as dozens of times. In such
cases, extreme frustration can even lead to abandonment of the game.

Only those actual action episodes involving speed plus dexterity are
dealt with in this walkthrough. But slipping past guards and enemies without
being killed sometimes also needs repetitive rapid movements, and so the most
difficult one of those puzzles is also included here. There are other 'physical'
problems/puzzles in BS3, e.g. climbing, jumping, block moving, swinging,
shimmying, etc. But these can be completed successfully while taking as much
time as the player likes or needs.

In the first few weeks since the game has been released there have been a
very large number of calls for saved games, both on Forums and from kindly
individual helpers. But in my opinion, a saved game should only be used as a
very last resort... for many reasons. Someone else's saved game may have covered
different territory in a different order than you did, and/or have acquired
different inventory items. In other words, that person may have done things that
you don't know about... or not done things that you have already done.

In this particular game, every saved game has a sort of 'game played time
stamp' affixed, and so someone else's game time will be different from yours...
possibly very different. But more importantly, in one instance (see
'Petra in the Congo' below), using a saved game inevitably wipes out nearly 7
minutes of cutscenes, which considerably advance the story in 3 locations.

So the following is my attempt to give assistance in the form of precise
(albeit factual and doubtless boring) instructions, which I hope will enable
many players to overcome the most difficult rapid action episodes. Note that
there are several more action sequences in the game that can get you killed.
Only the toughest ones are included below.

*********************************

Some Tips and General Instructions

I will dispense with the word 'key' from now on. The ones that you use are
the direction arrow keys (UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT) and the letter keys W, A, S, D.
In addition to these, the one used most of the time, but not always, is the
(left only) SHIFT, which changes walking into running.

Important Note: The above assumes that the default keys are used. These can
be altered in Options. If you have altered them, please substitute accordingly
for the aforementioned keys.

Although the keystrokes recommended are optimal, they may have to be adjusted
according to individual circumstances and directions tweaked on occasion.

Most of the action sequences are in a few parts, with time to 'catch your
breath' in between each part. This helps a great deal in giving as much time as
required to reorganize before a final and generally more difficult part. In
every case, the maximum speed must be obtained with no hesitations or errors.
Also bumping into walls or objects should be avoided, since these almost always
lead to failure. If you have difficulty, I recommend going through a few trial
runs before attempting the full operation. And be prepared for several or
possibly many attempts!

And if you still can't manage to do it, the following 'Cheat' may help. In
all but the first episode, the SHIFT key has to remain depressed continuously
throughout. If you like, you can keep the SHIFT key pressed down with a
moderately heavy object, or tape it down temporarily. This will allow you to use
all of your fingers of both hands for the other movements, which should
give more ease and flexibility!

*********************************

The following instructions are arranged in
chronological order according to the game

*********************************

DEFEATING PETRA IN VERNON'S APARTMENT
(In Paris, near the beginning of the game)

This episode is in 2 parts, and is not too difficult.

Part 1

As Nico walks into Vernon's kitchen for the first time, she is accosted by
the as yet unknown Petra. Keep a finger poised over S. You have quite a bit of
time to get organized. Petra is about to shoot Nico, who talks, playing for
time. When Petra starts to say, "You won't be so clever when I've killed you",
keep a sharp eye on the end of the handle of the frying pan. As soon as
the handle displays a glittering star highlight, press S.

Part 2

The bullet is deflected by the frying pan. They both move towards the fridge.
When Nico starts to say, "I never forget a face", keep a sharp eye on the handle
of the fridge door. Nico continues with "So why had I forgotten hers?" Exactly
as she finishes this sentence, a glittering star highlight appears on the fridge
door handle. IMMEDIATELY, press S. Petra will try again, but her gun misfires.
She runs out of the kitchen and escapes.

If you fail, you will automatically start Part 1 again from the beginning.

*********************************

DEFEATING PETRA IN PARIS
(Susarro and Petra ascending in the elevator)

I personally found this one of the most difficult action puzzles in the game,
since it involves actually manipulating fingers quickly in accordance with
progress.

This episode is in 4 parts.

Actually the first parts are quite easy... only the very last part is (very)
tricky. Unfortunately you can't save it just before then, so if/when you fail,
you have to repeat all 4 parts, plus a preliminary cutscene!

Part 1

You have a LOT of time to get organized. During this period, POSITION your 3
fingers onto the appropriate keys, but DEPRESS NONE of them yet! Let (1)
one left hand finger rest on SHIFT and (2) another left hand finger rest on A...
let (3) one right hand finger rest on DOWN.

Wait until George FINISHES the sentence "Nico, we won't have enough time to
get past the elevator. Find somewhere to hide!". Continue to wait a few seconds
after this. When the 4 empty circles of the action map suddenly appear,
IMMEDIATELY press only (1) and (3) simultaneously, and keep them
depressed a very short time, ONLY until George runs the very short distance to
the edge of the chasm. Then VERY QUICKLY release them both, and IMMEDIATELY
press (2), only until George is hanging safely from the edge of the void.

Part 2

You now have as much time as you like.

Press LEFT continuously so that George swings along to the left, until he
arrives as close as possible to Nico.

Part 3

Get ready for the most difficult part.

Make one single click on W. George jumps up and alerts the 2 villains.

You now have only a relatively short time to get ready for the final and
hardest part.

Part 4

Quickly POSITION 4 fingers onto the appropriate keys, but DEPRESS NONE
of them yet. Let (1) one left hand finger rest on SHIFT and (2) another
left hand finger rest on S... let (3) one right hand finger rest on UP and (4)
another right hand finger rest on LEFT.

Wait until Petra's gun misfires, and Nico starts running to the left.
IMMEDIATELY, when Nico STARTS to say "Quick George. This way!", press all 4 of
the keys simultaneously, and keep them all depressed continuously.

BUT, and here's the common problem...

Every time that George gets close to the corridor wall on the right side of
the screen, release your finger from (3) ONLY for a second or two (and then
return that finger), until he's close to the middle of the corridor (and no
more!).

They should run and reach the elevator successfully. You can then release all
4 keys.

If you fail, you will automatically start Part 1 again from (before) the
beginning!

*********************************

DEFEATING PETRA IN THE CONGO
(In the Omega Temple, after acquiring the alpha stone)

This episode is in 2 parts.

Note: Please see the Preface above about why using someone else's saved game
for this puzzle is particularly inadvisable.

Part 1

You have a LOT of time to get organized... but on your original attempt only.
During this period, POSITION 3 fingers onto the appropriate keys but DEPRESS
NONE of them yet. Let a left hand finger rest on SHIFT... let one right
hand finger rest on DOWN, and another right hand finger rest on LEFT.

IMMEDIATELY after the earthquake scene and Nico FINISHES (but not before) the
sentence "Come on, George! Let's get out of here!", press all 3 keys
simultaneously and keep them all depressed continuously.

If you don't do this correctly, George gets shot and you return back to the
earthquake scene. If however, you DO perform it correctly, George and Nico reach
a ledge and canyon safely, but exhausted.

Part 2

There are 2 or 3 fairly short cutscenes (non-interactive... giving you a bit
of time to organize the second part) that finish with a close-up of Nico's face.
During this period, POSITION your 4 fingers onto the appropriate keys but
DEPRESS NONE of them yet. Let one left hand finger rest on SHIFT and
another left hand finger on S... let one right hand finger rest on UP, and
another right hand finger rest on LEFT.

IMMEDIATELY, when Nico STARTS to say "Come on George, we have to move fast!",
press all 4 keys simultaneously and keep them all depressed continuously.

George and Nico should run and jump the gap successfully, and you can then
release all 4 keys.

If you fail, you will automatically start Part 1 again from the earthquake
scene.

*********************************

ESCAPING THE GUARD IN THE CATACOMBS
(Using the microwave)

This episode is in 3 parts.

This is quite likely the most difficult action puzzle in the game, since it
involves quick changes in finger manipulations and several different types of
actions. Please have patience, and be prepared to repeat it several times.

Prerequisites
(A) You must have viewed the guard sitting at the kitchen table or you can't
even START this puzzle.
(B) You must have obtained the old iron key from the corpse behind the door in
the sitting room, or (horror of horrors) you can get through to the very last
and easiest stage, but then cannot possibly finish it!

Part 1

Every time you restart the puzzle you find yourself outside in the corridor,
and the old key is NOT highlighted in your inventory. So before proceeding
further, highlight the old key in your inventory. Then enter the sitting room
and stand near the microwave, so that a glittering star highlight appears on it.

Part 2

When you are ready, POSITION 5 fingers onto the appropriate keys but DEPRESS
NONE of them yet! Let one left hand finger rest on SHIFT, and another
left hand finger on S... let one right hand finger rest on UP, another right
hand finger rest on LEFT, and a third right hand finger rest on RIGHT.

Press Shift, and then press S to activate the puzzle. After activating the
puzzle, you can remove your finger completely from S, but you must continue
pressing SHIFT until the end of the whole episode (if you have difficulty doing
this, see the 'Cheat' above listed under 'Some Tips and General Information').

George turns around and says 2 sentences, "The microwave suddenly sprang into
life", and "It was going to make a noise... I had to hide - fast". JUST after he
starts the SECOND sentence, start moving as follows:

Make a quick and very short press on LEFT only, and George turns clockwise
and walks 1 or 2 steps to the left of the screen. Then press UP only, and keep
it down, and (with a LOT of luck) he'll run forward and through the door without
hitting anything. Most likely however, you'll see that he's going to miss the
door. If so, then quickly adjust his run by ADDING a very brief touch on
RIGHT (or less likely, on LEFT), while all the time keeping a left hand finger
on SHIFT and a right hand finger on UP.

When you're out of the door (hopefully without mishap), you may be lucky and
by simply continuing to keep a left hand finger on SHIFT and a right hand finger
on UP, you enter the door of the empty room opposite the sitting room. More than
likely however, you'll have to adjust his run by ADDING a very brief touch
on LEFT (or possibly, on RIGHT).

You can now breathe easier... the toughest and quickest part of the episode
has been completed.

Part 3

George hides by the wall alongside the door. You will see a cutscene of the
guard leaving the kitchen, walking the corridor, and entering the sitting
room... machine gun at the ready!

You have to be fairly quick from now on, but not desperately so. When control
returns to George, quickly press SHIFT, and first RIGHT and then UP until he
reaches the microwave (sitting) room door, and a glittering star highlight
appears on its keyhole... do NOT overstep it!

Press S to quietly close this door, with George on the outside and the guard
on the inside. Press your spacebar to activate your inventory. Press S to use
the old key on the keyhole, and lock up the guard in the microwave room.

"Yes, mission accomplished!"

*********************************

SLIPPING PAST THE GUARD IN THE CATHEDRAL
(3 Times)

This episode is in 3 completely self-contained parts.

The guard you have to evade is the one without the dog near the altar. You
have to evade him 3 separate times, going in opposite directions. You can save
and relax ONLY after you have COMPLETED each one of the three.

The first time is from right to left, simply to get to the door on the
left side in order to enter the office. Save as soon as you are in the office.

After doing what you need to do in the office, the second time is from
left to right in order to get to the pulpit near the right edge of the screen
and read the Bible. You can save if you continue on to the robe room.

The third time is from right to left again, to get back to the door on the
left side in order to enter the office and finish there. Once again, save in
the office.

NOTES

While you are in the midst of performing each of the 3 maneuvers described
above, you are only 100% safe when you are:

Alongside the 2 entry/exit doors (one on the left side, the other on the
right of your screen)

INSIDE the pulpit

BEHIND but CLOSE TO the partition which is behind the altar (the partition
is topped by 3 triangles, the tallest section being in the middle)

But because you are safe in all of those places, each trip across the room
can be split into separate sections, with time to rest between each section.

As far as the (VERY clumsy) controls allow, hug the back wall and try to keep
in the shadows as much as possible... although this recommendation may not help
much!

Always try to move ONLY when the guard has his back turned toward George. You
have to move pretty quickly to complete each section of movement without getting
shot and killed. And you generally can't hide on the way... apart from the
aforementioned sheltered locations.

In this episode, perhaps more than the others, the keystrokes recommended may
have to be adjusted to suit your specific actions and the positions of George
and the guard. Itís very easy to veer off course, in which case youíll have to
make some adjustments.

Part 1 - to get to the office

Section 1

Wait until the guard starts to walk down the steps. IMMEDIATELY press one
finger on LEFT until youíre alongside the entrance to the pulpit. Quickly press
LEFT and DOWN simultaneously to enter the pulpit. Read the Bible there, etc,
where George is safe.

Section 2

Get George to stand just INSIDE the entrance to the pulpit facing the right
side of the screen... if he moves even a little outside he may get killed! Let
(1) a left hand finger rest on SHIFT... let (2) one right hand finger rest on
DOWN and (3) another right hand finger rest on RIGHT. Wait until the guard
starts to move towards his left, then IMMEDIATELY press (1) and (3) to exit the
pulpit. Quickly press all three keys and guide George using (1), together with
(2) and (3) alternately if necessary. Once he is behind and close to the
partition, heís safe.

Section 3

Get George to move behind the partition near the right side of the screen
(but for safety, not TOO near the edge). Let (1) a left hand finger rest on
SHIFT... let (2) one right hand finger rest on UP and (3) another right hand
finger rest on RIGHT. Wait until the guard starts to walk down the steps.
IMMEDIATELY press all three keys, and guide George using (1), together with (2)
and (3) alternately if necessary. Once heís in the area of the door heís safe.
He can then enter the office door with no further danger, and do whatever is
necessary inside. Save here.

Part 2 - to get to the pulpit

Section 1

Press one finger on RIGHT until youíve reached the right pillar of the
archway (donít exceed this or youíll get shot!). Wait until the guard starts to
walk down the steps, then IMMEDIATELY press a left hand finger on SHIFT and a
right hand finger on RIGHT. George will rapidly draw level with the partition.
When he is JUST beyond this, change your right hand finger from RIGHT to LEFT,
while keeping your left hand finger on SHIFT. Once George is behind and close to
the partition, he is completely safe.

Section 2

Get George to move behind the partition near the left side of the screen (but
for safety, not TOO near the edge). Let a left hand finger rest on SHIFT... let
one right hand finger rest on UP, and another right hand finger rest on LEFT.
Wait until the guard starts to walk to his left. IMMEDIATELY press all three
keys until George reaches the side wall. Then press UP only (for a very short
time) until he reaches the entrance to the pulpit. Using DOWN and LEFT either
simultaneously or alternately (whichever works best), get George to enter the
pulpit. Read the Bible there, etc, where George is safe.

Section 3... optional, but advisable!

Press SHIFT + RIGHT... SHIFT + UP to continue to the robe room. You can save
here.

Part 3 - to get back to the office again

If you start from the robe room, then this part is the exactly the same as
Part 1. If you start from the pulpit, then that eliminates the first section.
Once again, save after you enter the office.

*********************************

END GAME

GENERAL NOTES ONLY

To avoid spoiling the ending, the scenario is not described here.

No saved game can be supplied after this episode, because it is followed
immediately by the closing cutscenes, credits, and the end of the game.

But compared to some of the other action puzzles in the game, this episode
is relatively easy. Plus the developers say that it gets even easier if the
player fails a few times.

Note the path running up and down near the middle of the screen. There is
an upside down V-shaped wall to the left of this path, and a more complex but
similar one to the right of the path, nearer to George. George himself is
downscreen from both of these walls, and on the left side of the path.

Behind either of these walls, George is safe!

It is advisable, possibly even essential, for him to take shelter behind
the nearer wall first (the one to the right of the path), before continuing
toward the finale. And although it is not absolutely essential, it can help to
shelter behind the other wall afterwards, as well.

There are many ways of beating this episode.

As a suggestion...

Keep a left hand finger on SHIFT and use a right hand finger (or fingers)
to zigzag towards your objective(s) while avoiding the lethal missiles.